Denver Broncos / NFL

Joe Mays suspension upheld; Broncos coach John Fox needs replacement

An NFL appeals panel has upheld the one-game suspension of Broncos linebacker Joe Mays, coach John Fox said Thursday.

That means Mays will not be allowed to play in Sunday's game against Oakland. Mays is not allowed back in the team's Dove Valley facility until Oct. 1.

Veteran Keith Brooking is expected to start at middle linebacker in Mays' place, with Wesley Woodyard starting at weakside linebacker. Brooking and Woodyard had been splitting time in the past two games.

Denver's other linebackers are rookies Danny Trevathan and Steven Johnson and second-year player Nate Irving, but Irving has not yet been cleared to return to practice after suffering a concussion last week.

The Broncos on Thursday also re-signed 2011 draft pick Mike Mohamed to the practice squad.

"We've got all kinds of options," Fox said.

Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said his defense will miss Mays as they face Darren McFadden. Still, Del Rio said he understands why Mays was punished so harshly.

"It was a great hit three years ago, but it's not acceptable now. It has been made a point, been emphasized," Del Rio said. "We want to play within the rules at all times and understand what we have to get done," Del Rio said. "We want to teach and coach and have it not happen."

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